Tips For Removing Hair Clogs In Your Drain

Hair clogs are not only unpleasant, but can prevent the flow of water in your drains. The reason this clogs the drain is not so much the hair itself, but the hair combined with shampoos, oils, soaps, and dust all binding together to form a blockage. While it’s not a fun job removing them, here are some tips to help de-clog the hair from your drain.

Prevention

While shaving, put a towel in the sink to catch hair (you can shake it outside or into a garbage later) to prevent it from flowing into the drain. If you have long hair, brush it before you get in the shower to help prevent it from entering the drainage system. When washing pets, you should do so outside as much as possible. If this isn’t possible, brush your pet first or use a deshedding tool.

Baking soda and vinegar

Squirt a small amount of dish soap into the drain (to loosen oils), followed by one cup of baking soda and then 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain, if possible. Wait five minutes and then clear with boiling water. If hair still remains, try clearing it out with a plunger.

Tweezers

Tweezers (or alternatively a needle nose pliers) are an option for stringier hair clogs. If you have a drain stopper, you may want to remove it and run hot water down the drain after you’ve finished. It’s also recommended you wear gloves for this as it can be a messy job.

Clog remover drain cleaner

There are all kinds of specialized drain cleaning products on the market today. Some are safer to use than others, so be sure to read ALL the instructions carefully. If you’re not sure which one will work best, then check reviews online as some may work more effectively than others. It is also recommended you use a plunger BEFORE using any chemical-based drain cleaner, as this will reduce the risk of chemicals splashing back onto your skin or eyes. Also be sure to wear protective gloves.

Drain snake

If these methods don’t work, using a drain snake might be the next step. Drain snakes can vary in price, and you don’t necessarily need to purchase one. You could easily rent one locally, or call in a professional to get your drains snaked. The long metal cables are designed to be lowered into a drain to dislodge clogs.

Call in the professionals

If you have tried our tips above and are still having problems, then it may be time to call in a professional. A certified drain cleaning expert will have more advanced products and tools and will find it easier to locate the source of any obstruction. With the right approach, products, and services, they can help keep your drains clear and flowing properly.